When I travel I like to bring back a token from the place I’ve visited and quite often that token is a book. Preferably by a local author, but sometimes just one that looks interesting and that I haven’t come across in my hometown. For visitors with the same inclination, picking up a book in Copenhagen isn’t that easy if you don’t speak Danish. This is where Ark Books comes in handy.

Ark Books specializes in books by Danish authors translated into English, but also stocks books in German, French, and Spanish. In other words, this is not the kind of book shop where you are likely to find the latest Stephen King novel; rather it’s the kind of place where you might come across a Spanish translation of Ulysses.

The tiny shop is a non-profit venture solely built on a love of books. Grab a free cup of tea or coffee, and strike up a conversation with the staff; if you’re not sure what you’re looking for, they will be happy to help you find something interesting.

And, by the way, if you yourself are an author and are willing to share your work with us Danes, Ark Books would love to hear from you…